Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Us Between Chaos: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

They say rain is peaceful, a lullaby for the broken. But as I stared out the window, watching the downpour smear the city in gray, I couldn't help but hate it. It ruins everything: my plans, my shoes, the way I feel about the day. It shows up uninvited, lingers too long, and always leaves a mess behind — kind of like men. People romanticize the rain, call it gentle, healing, soft. But I see it for what it is: a burden I have to prepare for, something I have to protect myself from. Just like men, I never face it without a shield — never without an umbrella.But Tycen? He’s different. I met a lot of different guys in my nineteen years of existence, but this is the first time I met someone like him. Someone who never talks big, he didn’t even try to impress me with cheesy pick-up lines or long paragraphs. He didn't try to portray himself as a perfect person; he made mistakes and never rushed things with me. He’s a puzzle. I’m not too fond of mystery, but he’s so mesmerizing, which makes

“Sydney, they’re here!” Paris shouted.I dropped the broom and dustpan, rushing out of my room. Uncle Lan and his wife had just arrived, holding bags of food. Mom was stepping out of her room, slow and careful. I hurried over to her and helped steady her as she walked.“We brought food for the trip here, so don’t bother cooking,” Uncle Lan said. Paris snatched it right away and darted toward the kitchen.“How are you feeling, my dearest sister?” he asked Mom with warm enthusiasm.Mom smiled gently, eyes flicking to me, searching—Did I answer right?“You’re doing great,” I whispered, smiling and mouthing, Very well. She gave a subtle nod, and I held her arm a little tighter.Aphasia. That’s what they called it. Ever since the stroke, it’s been hard for her to express herself. Words don’t come easily anymore, but we’ve learned how to fill the silence.Uncle turned to me. “How’s it going, Syd?”I sat up straighter. “So far, so good, Uncle. We’re heading back to the hospital soon for follo

Three days have passed since the last time I saw Hade.He told me he'd check on Jarred first, and that was it. No goodbye, no warning—just poof.Gone.Ghosting at its finest. Fitting, I guess. Maybe that’s his karma for something. Or maybe I’m just bitter. I shake the thought. It still feels wrong to think like that about someone who’s been nothing but kind.He reminded me of Tycen. God. Was he Tycen 2.0 now? The thought made me laugh under my breath.How is Tycen, anyway? It’s been three months. Does he think about me sometimes—or am I the only one who still circles the same memories, like an idiot? Did they get back together?Today was Sunday. I made a rule a long time ago—no house chores on Sundays. It's my "do whatever the hell I want" day.But my options? Pathetic. Read books I’ve already memorized. Write a story that’s been crawling for four years and still has no ending. Annoy Mom or Paris, which always ends with me getting yelled at. Great. Real healing behavior.I walked

I wondered if I’d ever have a day where I didn’t feel like I was shitting myself from nerves.Highly doubtful.Across from me, Hade was chilling like he had all the time in the world, still laughing about the stupid line he dared me to say when I finally faced Jarred. We were sitting at Jarred’s usual spot now, just waiting.I had accepted the offer.I wasn’t even sure if it was the right decision, but like Hade, I was desperate. Desperate to give Mom and Paris everything they needed. Desperate to stop asking for money from people who were also just surviving.Hade said Jarred would come around nine, but we arrived at eight because apparently, I needed time to “adjust and blend in.” Right. It was five minutes to nine now, and I still didn’t know what the hell to say first before threatening someone’s life.“Chill,” Hade said casually. “You look so tense, like you’re about to assassinate Jarred or rob the café.”I shot him a look and slammed back the last sip of my third Iced Caramel Ma

Time always slipped away too quickly.Before I knew it, I’d be attending one of the most prestigious private universities in the country. Me—someone who never even dreamed of stepping inside one.I glanced at Jarred, who was on his phone again, contacting yet another person. Switching schools at the last minute was chaotic, but he was calm. Always calm. Maybe that’s what money does—makes panic optional.He ended the call and redialed another number almost immediately, scribbling something in his little black notebook while speaking in a relaxed tone.“Here you go—two cappuccinos and one iced caramel macchiato,” the barista said with a cheerful smile.I gave a polite smile in return, picked up the tray, and walked to Jarred’s usual seat—center table, right next to the glass wall. Always the best spot.I set his coffee in front of him and placed the two cups on my side. One was for me. The other was for Hade, who had already claimed the seat beside mine. He smiled, wide and childlike, as